#sts: fwc

[bardic-tales]

happy sts!

gimme a sad snippet :( of anything really.

and then gimme a happy one bc I’m gonna need something to console myself with :)

<3

Happy STS, Star. Thanks for the ask, and I hope you are having a wonderful day.

I have been thinking A LOT on Bianca's final moments before she is reborn like a phoenix four months after this scene.

Sad Scene:

Content Warning: Blood, graphic injury, death or near-death experience, grief, intense emotions, loss, violence.

[. . .]

And then, the earth split open. Bianca fell. Her body crashed to the ground with a heavy thud. Blood pooled around her. A river of crimson stained the snowy, cracked earth beneath her. The battlefield went silent, like the deadly stillness before a tornado. There, amidst the desolation, lay Bianca. Her skin marred by the brutal force of Cloud's final strike. Her wings, once so majestic and powerful, now lay crumbled against the ground. Dark feathers scattered around her like fallen leaves. Her breath slowed, becoming shallow as she stared out lifelessly.

[. . .]

Sephiroth stood in the distance. His expression unreadable. For a moment, the world itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the One-Winged Angel's next move. The pain was visceral. The agony in his chest threatened to suffocate him. But, even as the world seemed to collapse around him, Sephiroth moved, slowly at first but soon darted so quickly he had became a blur. He had to get to her. How dare they! The thoughts echoed in his head.

[. . .]

"I will make you suffer for this. You have no idea what you've done." As the very skies darkened above him, he summoned the raw power of his being: Masamune. He was an avatar of wrath: a god incarnate, ready to take vengeance. He would never forgive him for taking her from him.

Happy Scene:

And here is a snippet of an upcoming work I'm writing featuring hot chocolate and holiday cheer. I try to make them embody the Sunshine x Grump shipping trope here.

[. . .]

Sephiroth's gaze returned to the fire. His expression thoughtful. "Cheefulness is foreign to me."

"That's okay," Bianca said, as she leaned her head against his bare shoulder. "We have time. I'll teach you."

His wing shifted slightly, curling inward as if to shield her from the outside world. It was a protective gesture and one that made her feel as though nothing could touch them: at least for the moment.

They sat there like that for a long time. The silence between them stretched with unspoken understanding. Her heart swelled with affection, as it most often did in moments like this. They were rare, but they were precious and a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and destruction that there was room for something softer.

His voice was the first to break the stillness. "You've given me something I didn't know I needed."

"What's that?"

He turned his bright cyan gaze to her. For a brief moment the weight of his usual stoicism lifted. "A reason to remember the world, rather than despise it."

Bianca gasped, but she managed a small, wry smile. "Hot chocolate does that to people."

"Perhaps."

Thank you for the ask, @seastarblue. This ask was brought by the @creators-club.

tagging some fellow mutuals: @themaradwrites @littleshopofchaos @serenofroses @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@nightingaleflow @prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap

[weather-usa]

'We've got gators in our backyard': Floridians still dealing with floodwaters a week after Hurricane Milton

In Hillsborough County near Tampa, floodwaters from Baker Creek have submerged a neighborhood, turning backyards into extensions of a nearby lake and giving alligators more space to swim right up to homes.

A week after Hurricane Milton made landfall, residents in many Florida cities are still grappling with both damage and ongoing flooding.

Climate and Average Weather Year Round in 37871 - Strawberry Plains TN:

FOX News Multimedia Reporter Bowen Kedrowicz, who visited Land O' Lakes, Florida, spoke with residents whose neighborhoods remain flooded. Flags placed in the water mark how high the floodwaters have risen, with one flag indicating water levels reached nearly 3 feet at one point.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay issued a flood warning for the Withlacoochee River in Levy and Citrus Counties.

The Withlacoochee River in Trillby, Florida, is projected to reach its peak on Wednesday before gradually receding over the next several days, according to the National Water Prediction Service.

Rebekah Thorne, a resident of Land O' Lakes, reported that residents are becoming trapped in their homes due to the rapid rise of the water. She noted that the flooding has brought some unexpected visitors to their neighborhood. "As we're walking through, we’re seeing bass, crappie, and tilapia literally swimming in our street," Thorne said.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have not received reports of fish or alligators swimming in the floodwaters, but they urge residents to remain cautious.

‘We’ve got gators in our backyard’

In Hillsborough County, Baker Creek has flooded the Shangri La neighborhood in Seffner, submerging several roads and homes. Backyards have transformed into extensions of a nearby lake, allowing alligators to swim right up to residences.

Weather Forecast For 87110 Albuquerque NM:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/203012427/Weather-Forecast-For-87110-Albuquerque-NM

"We’ve got gators in our backyard and water in the house," Seffner resident Kristy Sloan told FOX 13 Tampa. "The gator shows up at our back door. We just witnessed him swimming across the backyard back out into the lake."

With alligators getting so close to their homes, residents are worried about their safety.

"If we could get some help, and someone to pump this water out of our lake," she pleaded.

The FWC’s website states that alligators are often more visible in floodwaters, and residents should give them space and respect as they usually would.

The commission advises against attempting wildlife rescues during or after a hurricane or tropical storm if it poses a danger to a person. In cases of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, the FWC recommends noting the animal's location and reporting it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or contacting the appropriate FWC regional office.

St. Johns River could take weeks to recede from major flood stage

Another river that will remain above flood stage well after Hurricane Milton is the St. Johns River, which flows 310 miles along Florida's eastern coast.

See more:

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-96796

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-96797

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-96801

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-96802

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-96803

Flooding persists along much of the river, with significant flooding still reported in Astor, Deland, and Geneva.

The St. Johns River has a minimal elevation change of only 27 feet from its source to its mouth, resulting in a drop of about one inch per mile. This leads to a very slow drainage process. Tidal flow near the mouth of the river, close to Mayport north of Jacksonville, can reverse the river's flow for up to 160 miles.

This week, king tides and strong onshore winds from the Atlantic are creating additional resistance to drainage and even causing the river to rise again. Consequently, the river is expected to remain above major flood stage at least into next week.

History indicates that the wait for normalcy could be even longer. After flooding in early October 2022 from hurricanes Ian and Nicole, it took until the week of Thanksgiving for the river to recede below flood stage at Geneva, and until the day after Christmas at Astor.

"Residents and stakeholders along the St. Johns River should be prepared for prolonged major flood impacts over the next several weeks," the National Weather Service warned.

Deep Creek, Haw Creek, Cypress Creek, and the Ocklawaha and Hillsborough Rivers all reached record flood crests due to Hurricane Milton.

[cruisersnet]

FWC: near AICW MM 778 No-Wake Speed Requested for Hospital Creek, St Augustine, FL

[hostor-infotech]

85-year-old woman in St. Lucie, Florida killed after incident involving an alligator

CNN  —  An 85-year-old woman was killed Monday after an incident involving an alligator in southeast Florida, according to wildlife officials. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to a 911 call about an apparent alligator bite in St. Lucie, Florida, the FWC said. FWC spokesperson Arielle Callender told CNN the woman…

[startrolley]

Star Trolley is thrilled and excited to be a part of this fundraiser that supports The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center @madeirabeach Located at John’s Pass, @kissagator is the home to exotic rescues and pet surrenders from across #Florida.  Come out with Star Trolley and support this amazing and humane cause.  This cause is of great importance to us here at Star Trolley as we carry the message of "Cruelty Free Animal Business Operations".  It is our goal to put St. Petersburg on the map as a "Model City" that offers classic carriages that do not require horses to operate them. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Our carriages are electric powered, yet still very classy and beautiful. Star Trolley is also proud to say that we are working with an organization that has planted a tree for every customer we have serviced. We have done this from day one of our operations. We are quickly approaching 1,000 trees planted right here in Florida in the last two years. Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center's immediate goal is the provision of humane and professional care for pet surrenders and orphaned native wildlife that cannot be safely returned to the wild. The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is home to over 250 animals including lemurs, a sloth, lizards, small mammals, amphibians, turtles and tortoises, fresh and saltwater marine life, and of course... alligators.  Their animal family comes from various sources such as the FWC, SPCA, wildlife rescues, and individual owners who can no longer care for their pets. We hope to see you Friday, February 10th, 2023 5:30 PM at @billmarbeachresort located at 10650 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706. Purchase your tickets at kissagator.com today.  #startrolley #kissagator #fundraiser #florida #cruelty #free #crueltyfree #modelcity #electric #carriages #donate #lemurs #sloth #lizards #small #mammals #amphibians #turtles #tortoises #fresh #saltwater #marinelife #alligators (at Madeira Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnje3dsO3XW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jthurlow]

A Picture Speaks a 1000 Words

A Picture Speaks a 1000 Words

-Martin County Manatee educational sign in the IRL at Joe’s Point Understandably, many are concerned about manatees. Today, I share the most recent 12/29/21 Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) video update by Dr Tom Reinard. Please click on below. 12/29/21 FWC MANATEE MORTALITY EVENT and FEEDING UPDATE This FWC site is updated weekly, and previous updates are available. Here one can view the…

[smokcshow]

ljanoai replied to your photo:

On the "falling iguanas" mention (lovely pics, btw), they've been invading Tampa Bay in the past few weeks and're considered "invasive" to the area. I ain't seen any in my neck of the woods, but they're setting up shop in St. Petersburg. FWC gave citizens the go 'head to trap and kill if we peep 'em.

Thanks, Joe! Iguanas are invasive to Florida in general, aren’t they? I hadn’t known that before but being alerted to the possibility of them falling out of trees prompted me to read up on them a bit. I get why the FWC would give people the go-ahead to kill them if they’re spotted roaming around, but at the same time... that’s kind of sad. Apparently there are some who trap them and then sell the meat since iguanas are dubbed “chicken of the trees,” though. That seems better than just outright killing them, and admittedly I’m a bit curious about what that’d taste like.

[fourwheelcampers]

FOR SALE: Brand New Limited Edition Woolrich Hawk Model in Colorado: Available Now!! Are you a person that only likes the best in life? The Limited Edition Woolrich Models made by FWC are limited to only 100 models being built. This camper for sale is new and is # 29. Located in the Arvada, Colorado showroom of Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Campers. Camper is available now and will be pricing out somewhere around $41,000 out the door. Such a beautiful camper and is fully loaded with almost every option available. Please call or e-mail Chris Janeway for more details, with questions, or for an official price quote. Chris = Info@rmfwc.com RMFWC, 5572 Lamar St., Arvada, CO 80003 www.rmfwc.com http://www.rmfwc.com 303-431-6611 (at Arvada, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zba_9HOza/?igshid=1srqt62gvr7ui

[csnews]

Salem the dolphin released after Sarasota rehab

Carlos R. Munoz  - January 28, 2019

A 400-pound female bottlenose dolphin that battled infection and a substantial shark-bite wound was released in the Gulf on Monday after 89 days of around-the-clock treatment.

The dolphin nicknamed Salem because it stranded on Halloween was toted by fourteen Mote Marine Laboratory staff members about 100 yards down a dock to a waiting Yellowfin boat. They released her 2 to 3 miles offshore from Egmont Key, an area where no red tide has been detected.

Red tide is no longer present offshore from Manatee or Sarasota County, according to the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission water samples.

“This is what we work for,” said Gretchen Lovewell, the strandings investigations program manager at Mote. “Yes, we put on our science hats and we learn from those sad situations, but to see this goes full circle. I think we’ll all be beaming for a few days.”

Salem was found by a boater north of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge fishing Pier in St. Petersburg and the FWC transported the dolphin to Jane’s Refuge: The Hospital for Dolphins and Whales at Mote. They immediately began treating the dolphin for anemia and low body weight attributed to blood loss from the shark bite that covered about 50 percent of her tail stock.

In addition, the dolphin had a severe infection, stomach inflammation and developed pneumonia.

“These animals are very stoic,” said Whitney Greene, a veterinarian at Mote. “Figuring out what’s wrong with them can be challenging as well as administering an appropriate treatment protocol. Salem came in and she was septic, which means she had a severe bacterial infection.”

Apathy is a trait dolphin’s use to veil injury or sickness in the wild to avoid becoming prey.

Salem, who was also dehydrated and underweight at 319 pounds, was treated with antibiotics and overcame the infection in late December. She was found to have many scars and well-worn teeth.

Diagnostic tests showed no sign of red tide poisoning blamed on the deaths of 127 other dolphins since July 1, during when a massive red tide bloom smothered sea life on the west Florida coast. Necropsies performed on many of those dolphins were positive for the red tide brevetoxin leading the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to declare an “unusual mortality event” in July.

This was the largest dolphin die-off since a 2005-2006 red tide episode that killed 190 dolphins.

Mote caregivers reported that Salem began swimming the night she was brought to the hospital and was responsive. She ate about 30 pounds of fish per day and passed a critical hearing test on Dec. 20.

Lovewell said Mote partnered with the Chicago Zoological Society/Sarasota Dolphin Research Program to pay for the cost of Salem’s care. A satellite tag will allow scientists to study her behavior.

“I don’t know if we can even capture the emotion of what we feel when this happens,” Lovewell said. “Something like this is good for all of our hearts and souls.”

More than 70 cetaceans have been treated at Jane’s refuge since the 1990s. Mote last treated a pygmy and melon-headed whale in the summertime and had multiple disentanglement rescues.

Salem is the only dolphin treated and released in the last year at Mote.

[naturecoaster]

Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Public Meetings May 19 and 24: Let's Get Involved

As more and more development reaches Florida’s Nature Coast, we may want to take to take the time to get involved in how our environment is protected. This unique piece of Florida cannot stay the same forever because the only constant is change. By working together, we can help shape how and where the development encroaches as more and more people discover our paradise. With a natural coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties have so far developed without destroying natural seagrass beds that support hundreds of species of wildlife. Florida’s legislature, under Governor Ron DeSantis, created the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve in June 2020. Over 100 local businesses signed a letter expressing support for the Preserve’s creation, including NatureCoaster. In the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, those needs include safeguarding more than 450,000 acres of seagrass, mangrove islands, salt marsh, oysters, sponges, corals, and other species. Our scalloping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and manatee watching, and many other outdoor activities generate more than $600 million annually for local communities, provide over 10,000 jobs, and support about 500 businesses. We can influence the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve’s Proposed Management Plan at a Public Meeting May 24 Nearly two years after the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve’s establishment, on May 19 and 24, two meetings will be held by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to seek public input on the proposed management plan for the area. Both meetings are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. EDT; the May 19 meeting will be virtual (information on how to participate is here), and the May 24 in-person meeting will be held at The Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 West Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida. We have the opportunity to comment on the management plan for our Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. FWC Photo At these two meetings, NatureCoasters have an opportunity to comment on the plans that have been made for managing all this nature, which affects many of our livelihoods. The Plan for Managing the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve can be read here. On May 26, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Management Plan Advisory Committee will meet to discuss possible revisions to the draft management plan and to review comments received at the May 19 and 24 public meetings. The Final Plan will be approved in Tallahassee later this year. What is the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve? Seagrass at the Waccassaw Bay Preserve. Image by Sally White. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve is the second-largest aquatic preserve in Florida. It includes 800 square miles of coastal waters, with 625 miles of shoreline along Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. The first new aquatic preserve to be established in 32 years is bordered to the north by Big Bend Seagrasses and St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserves and to the south by Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. These four preserves together protect the largest contiguous seagrass meadow in the Gulf of Mexico and the largest spring-fed seagrass habitat in the world. There are mangrove islands, saltmarsh, sponge beds, marine springs, oyster reefs and limestone hardbottom habitats. Its karst geology and spring-fed rivers are key influences on the ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them, including sea turtles and manatees. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve was approved in 2020, connecting over a million acres of saltwater seagrass meadows. Image courtesy of Pew Charitable Trusts. This in turn supports our working waterfronts industries, including fisheries, seafood production, and ecotourism. What is Contained in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve? There are over 1,300 cultural and archaeological sites in Citrus County alone. Concerns about losing cultural and archaeological resources as sea levels rise is part of the management plan. Seven major rivers influence the waters of the Preserve. They are the Withlacoochee, Crystal, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, Weeki Wachee, Pithlachascotee, and Anclote. The flows of these rivers affect the Preserve’s waters. Manatees on the Weeki Wachee River, whose watershed affects the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Photo by Sally White The salt marshes of the Preserve filter Gulf waters, affecting the saltwater intrusion back up the rivers. Four first magnitude springs can be found in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve region, supplying more than 800 million gallons of freshwater a day. These spring groups are Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee. If these spring vents are clogged, less freshwater is available. The drainage basins of these water resources all affect the water in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, which affects the seagrass and its myriad of dependent life forms. What Lives in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve? Within the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve area, more than 20 native species are listed as endangered or threatened by state or federal designations. These include birds, reptiles, fish, as well as terrestrial and marine mammals. Many of these species are unique and exceptional. Gulf Sturgeon jumping in a river. Image courtesy of FWC by Tim Donovan. The Gulf sturgeon, for example, is a prehistoric fish that lives in the marine waters of the preserve and swims up the area’s freshwater rivers to spawn. The preserve also supports the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, considered the rarest sea turtle in the world. These species are of special concern to the managers of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The management activities are planned to reduce impacts to these species at every possible opportunity. History Lives in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve View from Temple Mound A at Crystal River Archaeological Preserve. Image by Diane Bedard. This region is a high-density area for cultural resources with evidence of many prehistorical people living here and a high number of shell middens, ceremonial sites, human remains, and various artifacts have been documented both on islands included within the Preserve’s boundaries as well as inland areas surrounding the preserve. By preserving the natural resources, we can preserve the historical resources. It is important for historians, archaeologists, and biologists to work together to protect what is here. By educating and enforcing safe human interactions with these resources, we can share them with future generations. Who is Managing the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve? Scallops are gathered and kept in a net bag while scalloping. Scallops are healthy in the area due to healthy sea grass beds. Image by Romona Robbins/Romona Robbins Photography, courtesy of Discover Crystal River. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection is the State organization that will manage our coastline. Their mission statement is conserving, protecting, restoring, and improving the resilience of Florida’s coastal and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. Four long-term goals of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Draft Management Plan include: Protection and management of submerged resources. Management, restoration, and monitoring activities needed to maintain and improve the preserve’s diverse habitats, including seagrass, oyster reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, sponges, and corals.Water resources. How should managers design monitoring programs for water quality and quantity to maintain the preserve’s Outstanding Florida Water designation—a status assigned to areas worthy of special safeguards and that mandates the state’s highest level of water quality protection? What should be done to protect the quality and quantity of water resources necessary to sustain healthy seagrass meadows and other habitats that support human uses, such as scalloping, fishing, and manatee watching?Human dimensions. How can the management plan promote diverse human uses while preventing habitat degradation related to population growth, marine debris, and scarring of seagrass by motorboat propellers? In what ways can the plan promote community stewardship for the long-term management of the preserve?Climate change. How can the aquatic preserve address impacts of sea level rise, drought and flood cycles, and rising surface temperatures on coastal habitats such as mangroves and salt marsh? Sources: Florida Seeks Public Input on Managing New Aquatic Preserve | The Pew Charitable Trusts (pewtrusts.org)Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Management Plan DRAFT (state.fl.us)Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Mgt Plan Public Meeting | Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionNature Coast Aquatic Preserve Mgt Plan Public Meeting | Florida Department of Environmental Protection Read the full article

[ultmtdoglvr]

We walked .70 of a mile and decided to completely quit on me (stop and lay down in the road)... In absolute kindness, She got a ride back from FWC...even though offering to walk at the halfway back point, he insisted on taking us all the way back to our vehicle. ♡ You'll never meet an uncaring FWC officer ... If you do, I'm sure the others will handle it 😆 (at St. Andrews State Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZc_1lMKZtc/?utm_medium=tumblr

[bardic-tales]

Happy Storyteller Saturday! How do your OCs react to jumpscares?

Hello, Raev. Thanks for the ask, and I hope you have a lovely day. For this, I am going to answer for Bianca Moore, the protagonist of Fantasy Worlds Collide.

Bianca's reaction to jumpscares is a complex mix of instinct, tension, and slight irritation. Given her past traumas, which include severe psychological and physical experiences, her initial response would be highly defensive and combat-ready. Her survival instincts kick in immediately. She becomes hyper-aware of her surroundings and may even resort to drawing Noctemaris, her demonic tachi, if the situation appears threatening. She is not one to take to Haunted Houses. The combination of heightened senses, as she is an infernal celestial, and past experiences had conditioned her to react quickly and decisively to any perceived dangers, making jumpscares a very unpleasant trigger rather than just a brief moment of fright.

There is also an element of anger that would accompany her being startled. She dislikes being caught off-guard and views it as a sign of weakness. This is something she has worked hard to eliminate from her demeanor. If a jumpscare is coming from a harmless person or noise, her response will shift from being ready for combat to a cold, irritated glare. She'll snap at whoever is responsible for startling her, masking any lingering fear with a cutting remark or a sardonic smile that will convey her displeasure at being frightened or triggered.

In a situation where the jumpscare occurs in a more familiar setting or among people she trusts, Bianca's reaction may include a dramatic element, especially if Sephiroth is present. She has a histrionic personality disorder due from falling from grace and often channels her irritation into a theatrical response, turning it into humor. This tendency often reflects her chaotic nature, mixing her annoyance with playful defiance.

tagging some fellow mutuals: @themaradwrites @littleshopofchaos @serenofroses @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@nightingaleflow @prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap

@seastarblue

[tbcpress-blog]

TPC Press Latest Outdoor News Headlines

TBC Press now has a new format to bring you the most up-to-date hunting, fishing and outdoor news from around the globe. Read what's happening in your neck of the woods and beyond.

Latest Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Headlines:

Additional Delaware Deer Hunting Seasons Open in January 2022

FWC to Close 2022 St. Johns River Blue Crabbing Jan 16-26

Hawaii Bans Shark Fishing in State Marine Waters

Idaho Anglers are Reminded that 2022-24 New Fishing Regulations Take Effect

When the Weather gets Cool the Fishing gets Hot in Mississippi

MDWFP Confirms CWD found in Warren County

Texas Toyota ShareLunker Program Kicks Off 36th Season

Wyoming 2022 Super Tag Deadline extended to Jan 31

Wyoming Shed Antler/Horn Hunting Closed in Western/Southern Regions

Read these news articles and more at TBC Press. Thanks for following TBC Press

[jimabernethy]

#Repost @oneprotest @download.ins --- Extreme devastation is happening in Tampa Bay estuary & in southern Pinellas County as they face the worst red tide outbreak in at least twenty years. To put into perspective just how severe it is, water samples taken near St. Petersburg show 17,000,000 cells of karenia brevis (red tide) per one liter of water. There only needs to be 100,000 cells of karenia brevis for fish kills to be likely. The extreme amount of red tide present is suffocating marine life. Stingrays, bonnet head sharks, goliath grouper, more manatees, and countless other species are washing up dead, especially in the Tampa bay area. There have been reports of people experiencing respiratory irritation as well. The sheer amount of dead ocean wildlife washing up is not only very sad to see, but potentially dangerous. If dead fish are not removed it leads to increased bacteria growth & anoxic water which can kill more fish. Perhaps the worst part of this situation is the leading cause to such an outbreak. While we are aware of storm water runoff leaching toxins into the waters and the continuous spraying of herbicides being sprayed by the FWC, this situation goes beyond that. Between March 30-April 8, 200+ MILLION gallons of wastewater was dumped from the Piney Point fertilizer plant straight into Tampa Bay. The discharge contained very high levels of nitrogen & phosphorus (& other minerals/chemicals). By June, it is no surprise that red tide developed, and became very highly concentrated near the Piney Point discharge site. Things only got worse with Tropical Storm Elsa, as they tend to do, with the storm's southeast winds as they brought an enormous amount of dead fish & karenia brevis (red tide) to the shores of southern Pinellas County. ‼️WHAT YOU CAN DO‼️ You can sign and share the petition by @jim_abernethy demanding the FWC stop allowing the spraying and dumping of chemicals into our waterways. Write to the FWC and (nicely) ask them to stop this, copy and paste the petition and any informative from here you would like in your comment. Link In Bio for petition and comment form. . . . #Florida #Tampa #StPetersburg #SouthFlorida #SaveOurSeas #Oce (at Tampa Bay) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRbdBYHBIco/?utm_medium=tumblr

[cruisersnet]

Still More on Florida's Restrictive Anchoring Legislation

Still More on Florida's Restrictive Anchoring Legislation - https://cruisersnet.net/still-more-on-floridas-restrictive-anchoring-legislation/ Anchoring restrictions imposed by Florida’s legislators have been increasing for years with legislators pressured by wealthy landowners to remove all visiting vessels. See Restrictive Anchoring Legislation by Jim Healy . Our thanks to Fred Ruggiero for this report.   My Name is Fred Ruggiero Jr. and I am a member of the Bradenton Anchoring restrictions imposed by Florida’s legislators have been increasing for years with legislators pressured by wealthy landowners to remove all visiting vessels. See Restrictive Anchoring Legislation by Jim Healy . Our thanks to Fred Ruggiero for this report.   My Name is Fred Ruggiero Jr. and I am a member of the Bradenton Yacht Club, Fl., FCYC, (Florida Council of Yacht Clubs).   Florida’s proposed bill, HB 639, while containing valuable boating safety legislation, contains in 327.4108, restrictions/limitations on anchoring. While this issue is framed as a derelict vessel issue, as is often the case, the regulations, laws, and statutes needed for identifying and removing derelict and at-risk derelict vessels are in place. Florida’s FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies have the legal authority and ability to identify and regulate derelict and at-risk derelict vessels in the Florida statutes through chapters 327 and 328. In fact, Florida statues even provide for a Rapid Derelict Vessel Removal process. In addition, Florida statutes clearly gives FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies the regulatory authority to inspect the compliance for a vessel’s sanitation disposal. We have all seen municipalities that illegally “create” their own ordinance in order to maintain their “slice of heaven”. Gulf Port, Fl, St. Petersburg, Fl, Ft, Myers, Fl… What do you suppose will occur, when Florida municipalities believe that they now have the authority to regulate anchoring in Florida waters? Had there been a real effort behind reinstating/continuing Florida’s mooring field program, I believe that the mooring field test program would have greatly reduced the derelict and at-risk derelict vessel issue. The remaining favoritism with anchoring restriction/limitations is nothing short of a “Vista protection act for waterfront landowners”. If these proposed bills that restrict/limit anchoring pass, there is absolutely no assurance that the ability to anchor will be fair and equitable and that the PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE survive. Your support would be greatly appreciated! All the best Fred Ruggiero Jr       -April 19, 2021

[oscarasnton]

parc central residences siteplan

The following list of Top 10 Bass Lakes aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch trophy bass.

Florida is globally acclaimed as one of the best fishing spots, this is because of it exceptional saltwater fishing, though this exceptional freshwater fishing hasn't captured the attention of the same number of visitors. Inhabitants of this state are in on the secret, the following are some of the best fishing spots so far.

1. LAKE GEORGE

Lake George is considered one of the premier bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres), and is 18 miles northwest of Deland and 29 miles east of Ocala.

Hot spots on the lake include Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen spring runs on the eastern shoreline. In winter and early spring, look for bass to congregate at the jetties on the south end of the lake. Additionally, casting deep diving crankbaits is productive near old dock structures along the northeast shore and off Drayton Island.

2. STICK MARSH/FARM 13 RESERVOIR

Created in 1987, the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir is synonymous with trophy bass fishing. This 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, became one of the hottest bass parc central residences brochure  lakes in the country during the past decade. FWC biologists predict a continuation of excellent bass fishing in the upcoming years.

3. WEST LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA

Bordering the city of Kissimmee to the south, the 18,810-acre West Lake Tohopekaliga has long been a popular bass fishing lake for both recreational and tournament anglers. In recent years, both Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.) and Forrest L. Wood (FLW) bass tournaments have been held out of the Kissimmee lakefront park. Winning weights are routinely in the 18-to 25- pound range. To date, the largest bass documented from the lake weighed 17.10 pounds.

4. THE RODMAN RESERVOIR

The Rodman Reservoir, located east of the Gainesville and in the south of Palatka, covers an area of about 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass ground. Since it was established in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has been known for the trophy largemouth bass. The state's largest bass of 2000, 15 pounds and 17 pounds, came from the reservoir during March. Much of the largemouth bass fishery's success is due to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and aquatic vegetation and periodic drawdowns.

5. LAKE TARPON

Lake Tarpon is a 2,500-acre lake near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. This lake has consistently produced high quality bass for years. Most fish range from 12 to 16 inches long however, quality and trophy fish are also present in good numbers. Biologists have observed anglers catching upwards of 20 fish with an occasional 10-pounder.

6. LAKE WEOHYAKAPKA

Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk -in-Water, is a 7,532-acre lake, off S.R. 60 south of Orlando, east of Lake Wales. The lake has a nationalwide reputation as an outstanding location to catch largemouth bass. Anglers regularly catch upto 25 bass everyday with several ranging from 4 to 8 pounds. Weohyakapka also produces many trophy bass above 10 pounds annually. Last year, Walk-in-Water anglers entered 130 bass with a qualifying weight of eight pounds in the FWC's Big Catch Program. A 15- to 24inch slot limit regulation with a three-bass daily bag limit is in place to help maintain good bass fishing. Anglers can keep three bass a day, either under or over the protected slot range, of which only one bass bigger than or same as 24 inches is permitted.

7. LAKE ISTOKPOGA

Bass anglers who fish the Kissimmee Chain of lakes to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the south often overlook 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. Situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring, Istokpoga is rated the 5th largest natural lake in the state of Florida. Anglers frequently catch bass up to eight pounds, with some between 10 and 13 pounds. An angler caught a 16-pound bass in March 1998.

Lake Istokpoga has a 15- to 24-inch lot limit for bass with a three fish daily bag limit, of which only one bass may be 24 inches or longer. All residents between 16 and 65 years of age and all non-residents are required to have a fishing license.

8. EVERGLADES WATER CONSERVATION AREAS 2 AND 3

Everglades Water Conservation Areas are marshlands bordered by canals. Areas 2 has 210 square miles of marsh, and Area 3 contains 730 square miles of marsh., and Area 3 contains 30 square miles of marsh. Originally designed for flood control and water supply, the area provides some of the best bass fishing in the country.

The best fishing usually occurs in the spring when dropping water levels concentrate fish the canals. April is the peak month with angler catch rates as high a 4.1 bass per hour in the L-67A Canal.

9. LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Lake Okeechobee is consistently one of Florida's top producing bass lakes and is considered one of the best lakes in the country for bass fishing. Situated in south central Florida, the "Big O" covers 730 square miles and is easily accessible from Florida's east and west coast. FWC biologists are expecting a tremendous year class for this lake this year.

The lake increased to 16 feet, early in 2003, due to above average rainfall in the upper lakes. Due to the drought in 2001, the lake has experienced positive changes in vegetation.

Lake Okeechobee has a 13- to 18-inch slot limit on bass, meaning all bass between 13 and 18 inches must be released unharmed.

10. CRESCENT LAKE

This 15,725 acre lake borders the east side of Crescent City on the Putnam/Flagler county line. Crescent Lake flows into the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek on its north end. Past electrofishing samples for largemouth bass revealed one of the highest catch-per-unit-efforts recorded for areas on the St. John's River. Largemouth bass up to twenty inches long were well represented in the sample and good numbers of larger fish (8 lb +) were collected.